IMD predicts rain in state; four districts on yellow alert 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed a possibility of rain for the next five days. Yellow alert has been issued in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki. Yellow alert has been issued in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on May 7th and on 8th in Pathanamthitta and Idukki and on the 9th in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

Isolated heavy rain is predicted. Heavy rain is defined as a rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours. The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds at a speed of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places today and on the 9th. On May 6th, 7th and 8th, there is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds at a speed of 30 to 40 kmph at isolated places in Kerala.

Alert issued
Lightning is dangerous. It can cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they first see the thunderstorm. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Move to a safe building immediately after seeing the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.
• Disconnect household appliances from the power supply. Avoid being near electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.
• If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children.
• Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.
• Stay inside the vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms and legs out. You will be safer inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling in vehicles such as bicycles, bikes, and tractors during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
• When you see a rainstorm, do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes during a thunderstorm.
• Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.
• Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity caused by lightning can travel through pipes.
• Do not go fishing or bathing in water bodies during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing, boating, etc., and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of the boat during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing and casting nets during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid flying kites.